The RMT rail union has announced its members, working for both train operators and Network Rail, will go on strike on today.
Further strikes will also be taking place on 30th July, 18th August and 20th August.
The harm of this strike action is significant for the whole economy.
Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the National Union of RMT Workers, agreed last month that strike action makes the cost of living situation even worse for people, yet the strikes continue to go ahead.
Over the two years of the pandemic, the government spent more than £16bn keeping the railways running so that jobs were not lost and key workers could get to essential jobs.
I urge the RMT and the associated unions to get back to the negotiating table to prevent further strike action and allow for work to go ahead that aims to:
Unlock £900m a year in savings to the taxpayer through rail reform
Implement flexible working practices for staff to attract further talent and jobs within the industry
Create a 7-day railway
Ensure that staff have greater access to multi-skilled training
